Water on the passenger floor board

I own a 2002 Hyundai Elantra which has developed a mysterious leak allowing water to come into the front passenger side floor when it rains. Not all rain storms result in water inside which is another mystery. The gasket on the right front passenger door was replaced but the leaking continued. I have had to rip up the carpet from the floor due to severe mold situation.
What I do know is that:
The water is not coming from under the dash as that carpet and foam area are never wet. It is not coming up from under the car because driving in a rain storm does not result in a wet floor. It is not coming in the side window as the door panel is never wet.
Do you think it might be coming from a plugged cowl drain which you mentioned?
Also how does one remove the cowl to clean out dirt/leaves?
Is this a job that someone who is not a mechanic can do?
Thank you for your time and assistance.